M. J. Walker

Inter-species gene flow drives ongoing evolution of Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis

The paper shows extensive genomic overlap between Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, including shared genes and recombination events, with implications for vaccine development.

A role for glutathione in buffering excess intracellular copper in Streptococcus pyogenes

This study shows that glutathione buffers excess intracellular copper in Streptococcus pyogenes when the Cu export system is overwhelmed, allowing bacterial survival despite copper toxicity.

De novo design of ACE2 protein decoys to neutralize SARS-CoV-2

The paper designs de novo ACE2 protein decoys to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 by blocking viral entry, showing high affinity and potent in vitro inhibition.

Prophage exotoxins enhance colonization fitness in epidemic scarlet fever-causing Streptococcus pyogenes

This study identifies prophage-encoded exotoxins in Streptococcus pyogenes that enhance colonization fitness and pathogenesis in scarlet fever.

Primordial emergence of a nucleic acid binding protein via phase separation and statistical ornithine to arginine conversion

This study demonstrates a transition from phase-separating polypeptides to dsDNA-binding proteins through statistical ornithine-to-arginine conversion and sequence duplication.

Discovery of glycerol phosphate modification on streptococcal rhamnose polysaccharides

The paper identifies a glycerol phosphate modification on streptococcal rhamnose polysaccharides, revealing its role in host-pathogen interactions and vaccine design.

A vacuum-actuated microtissue stretcher for long-term exposure to oscillatory strain within a 3D matrix

The paper introduces a microtissue stretcher device to study cellular responses to mechanical strain in 3D environments, showing reproducible strain delivery and increased F-actin expression under cyclic strain.